Friday, October 30, 2009

Literally chasing my own tail this morning, which would be great if I was in a Jake-ish Halloween costume, but I'm not. I'm in my "working mommy" costume, which consists of a great deal of stress and anxiety on this particular Friday. I could tell you why, but you'd be bored with the details.

As such, today's post is short and sweet.

SAVINGS: Text 242424 with "Oprahshow" as the subject and get a text code back for 50% off all day today ONLY at Payless. I'm planning to get these and probably these, too. And if I could come up with an event (real or otherwise) to wear these to, you bet your sweet ascot I'd be buying them.

SWEETS: Happy almost Halloween! The kids @ Alex's daycare are taking a group pic in their costumes today. I can't wait to see it. Also, click here for some waist-saving tips on candy consumption. Really, who am I kidding? I'm going to King Size it this weekend.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Joe has been out of town on business since Tuesday so Alex and I have been barely surviving in fake single mommy mode since then. It's SO. HARD.

Usually when I complain on le blog its mostly for attention and/or due to the fact that I have an insatiable flair for the dramatic. But I'm being totally honest when I tell you this flying solo thing is for the birds.

Exhibit A: Kristi has 7 am meeting. Alex cannot be dropped off at daycare any earlier than 7 am. You see the inherent problem? So I arranged to conference into the meeting via cell which is still harder than it sounds. I had to get myself totally ready and then woke up Alex...fed him, changed him and got him all bundled in the car seat. Picture me all dolled up for work (heels and all) trying to get my 17 lb. monster in his 10 lb. car seat out the door - all while balancing my laptop bag, purse, cell phone, keys AND trying to maintain a calm, cool business demeanor and actually make sense to the people on the other end of the call.

FAIL.

Today? 7:30 am meeting. I did it all again, only this morning Jake decided to lunge at me (while holding Alex) when I tried to put him outside. He's on his last life in the VW house and I am NOT kidding you.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I've been using the nose sucker (does it have a real name? IDK...it's this thing) that we got from the hospital for Alex. Sadly, it experienced its last suck a few nights ago due to a tear in the rubber.

So I bought a replacement from Safety First. Pardon the pun, but this one SUCKS. Hardcore. So I bought another one. And it sucks even MORE. I'm convinced that hospitals have the monopoly on all the good nose suckers.

I must, must, must, must get another hospital one. I will give money. I will give Starbucks. I will even give my dignity. Who can get me one? Nurses? People having babies at hospitals that can ask for an extra?

Seriously...I will stop at nothing to get my hands on it. I'm the Mom to the biggest booger producer on the planet and need that thing to survive.

Alex would really like to breathe. Can you help?

Update: My inbox has been absolutely flooded with suggestions to look into the Nosefrida. I will admit, the thought of actually sucking the boogers out of Alex's nose literally with my own mouth makes me want to gag, but it's been thoroughly tested and proven to be safe and germ-free. Plus, the reviews are absolutely out of this world, so I basically must have one ASAP. I ordered mine online at Target...check it out!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Yesterday was an unseasonably gorgeous day in Metro Detroit, so we took advantage of it and went for a little walk last night.

Oh, and that jogging stroller from Craiglist? Best $60 I've ever spent. Also the best $120 I've ever saved. (Note: if you're in the market for one, be SURE to get one with a swivel front wheel that can also lock.)

Saturday, October 24, 2009

The fine people from the CSN group of stores contacted me last week about doing a product review for their baby division, http://www.csnbaby.com/. Apparently they got the memo that ABM3 was the most kickass blog on the block, and they wanted in.

Or, they just knew I was a sucker for free stuff. Either way, I'm not arguing.I've spent some time researching their product offering (which includes baby furniture, nursery decor and baby gear) to make sure they were worthy of a prestigious ABM3 review. So far, I'm very pleased with their range of products and the prices seem to be competitive.

My mailbox is dancing in anticipation. And like my Momma always told me, "Honesty is the best policy." So, CSN, it better be good!

My little porker is officially in all his 6-9 month clothes and some of the 6-12 ones from Old Navy are just starting to fit. Most of his pants make him look like he's waiting for the Great Flood of 2009 because his legs are so long.

This weekend's "to do" list includes boxing up all his 3-6 mo. clothes. But since summer was so mild, he probably has ~20 uber cute short-sleeved outfits with the tags still on. I feel so wasteful...but I'll keep them around in case we decide to produce more spawn, otherwise I plan to make a killing at a future Mom2Mom sale.

He has 2 Halloween costumes (you remember the peapod one?). The other is a surprise...but I pinky promise I'll be posting pics. And before you even ask, hells yes he is going trick or treating! I can pour some Pixy Stix in his bottle and Joe and I can fight over the rest.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Thanks to all for your entries! I'm still absolutely befuddled that this blog gets hundreds of unique hits every day, but the giveaway generated only 59 entries from 27 people (1 of which was MY OWN HUSBAND). I mean, really...do you others not understand that it's FREE STUFF?! As in, you type some words, hit enter and click a mouse for a totally legit chance to win stuff...no strings attached? Perhaps I'm in the minority with my addiction to free. Ah, well. Better odds for those that entered, I guess. :)

Without further adieu, the winners** of ABM3's first anniversary giveaway are:

**If I was any good at legal copy, I would rattle on here with some big 5-syllable words about how I assigned every entry a unique number and used a random number generator to fairly determine the results. And, had Joe's number actually come up, I assure you he would have been disqualified.

Perhaps it's the English nerd in me, but my eyes are basically a spellcheck and grammar machine. My personal fave? When stores advertise things for 0.99¢. Do they realize that as written, they're offering product for LESS THAN 1 penny? I actually handed a guy a penny once and and asked for change for a 0.99¢ Snickers Bar. He didn't get it.

Anyway, I was just perusing Wally World's website and came across this gem:

Do you think they have to honor that price? I mean, really. Who hired their web editors?

Last weekend we took our first trip to an orchard as a family. We went to Westview Orchards with some friends that have older children and it was so. much. fun. I can't wait until Alex is bigger and he can run around the pumpkin patch, screaming with delight when he finds the perfect pumpkin for carving. Not that I'm wishing him out of his babyhood, but it's just something fun to look forward to.Of course he wore his new pumpkin outfit from Grammi and Poppi.

Peek-an-Alex!

I did end up buying a new Bjorn (well, "new" from Craiglist)...and it came in handy that day!

As previously mentioned, last weekend's festivities were a smashing success.

Up first, the Tiffany's theme shower. The tables were decorated with bride and groom gift boxes (tied w/ a Tiffany blue ribbin, natch) and inside were ring pops for each guest! Each placesetting also had a "BINGO" card with a twist. In place of the traditional letters, we used "KELLI" and DAVID" and instead of just a number, each of the squares had something that was meaningful to their relationship. Kelli and David would draw a letter and a space between presents, and the first person at each table to get a "KELLI" or "DAVID" won the centerpiece, which was a box wrapped in signature Tiffany blue with an authentically tied Tiffany ribbon (thanks, Sarah!). Each box was filled with random goodies like notecards, candles, bath accessories, etc.

The cake (from The Home Bakery in Rochester) made me want to pee my pants. Honestly, when I walked in to to pick it up I squealed with delight and jumped around like a potty training 4-year old. And for what it's worth, it tasted just as good as it looked.

Here's the bride and groom as they made their grand entrance. Don't you just love that they matched the theme? It gives me organizational goosebumps!

After lunch (which was delish!), presents and cake, a limo picked up the ladies that were staying for the bachelorette festivities. Of course, we had to get a pimp shot of Alex in his very first limo. Ladies' man, what?!?

No sooner had we kicked Alex out, David wanted to give his bride a final toast before her big night out:

Our first stop was a wine tasting at Fieldstone Winery in Rochester. We tasted 8 wines and sampled various cheeses. I know, so posh, right?

Our next stop was TCBY, Kelli's absolute favorite treat...as if you couldn't tell from this picture:

Here's the whole gang...I'm quite sure TCBY didn't expect us to pull up that night:

From there, we headed back to la casa de VW, where we dined on a QDoba nacho bar (another of Kelli's faves) and played games and opened gifts that made Kelli turn 17 shades of red. She would kill me if I posted any of those, so I will leave it up to your imagination. Let's just say that David will not be disappointed on the eve of Nov. 22. :)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Those that know me well are aware of my extreme dislike of nail cutting in unacceptable places a.k.a anywhere that is not inside a trashcan or outside in the great outdoors.

My skin literally crawls when I see or hear others clip, clip, clipping their fingernails--or God forbid, toenails--in random public places. My Mom just skated by with her life when I caught her clipping her toenails (vomit) in MY BED once upon a time.

So, it is with extreme displeasure that I tell you that I just heard the unmistakable *clip*clip*clip* around the corner from my desk. Seriously people, at WORK? Have you no dignity?

Friday, October 16, 2009

Today marks the one year anniversary of this crazy little adventure known as blogging, and its just plain nuts to think of how far its come! Never did I imagine that hundreds of stalkers followers would be checking in daily on my somewhat ridiculous antics and otherwise entertaining life.

But here we are, 364 ¼ days later. My life is a lot different now. A lot better, a lot richer and a whole lot more silly. Thanks for everything, Internet peeps. Your IPlovin’ means more to me than you’ll ever know.

So, as bloggers often do, I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY! Since we’re a big fan of the number “three” here on this blog, I’ve decided to award three prizes to three very lucky readers.

GRAND PRIZE: This girl can’t live without her caffeine and her shopping. Thus, one lucky reader will win a $10 gift card to Starbuckies and a $10 gift card to Target. Le swoon.

FIRST PRIZE: I’m obsessed with paper products. I know. Shocker. As such, one lucky reader will win any $8 product of her (his?) choice from bleusoleil design. Plus, Jackie's offered to throw in 6 gift tags to match the design of your choice. Thanks, Jackie!!

SECOND PRIZE: I do love me some Mickey D’s Diet Coke. Again, shocking. The winner of this prize will receive a $5 McDonald’s gift card to get ‘cha own damn Diet Coke. Or fries. Whatever, I don’t judge.

Receive one entry for doing each of the following: (Yes, you can do them all. That’s what she said.)- leave a comment and tell me your favorite Starbuckies treat- become (or already be) a follower of this blog- post my giveaway on your fabulous blog

Thursday, October 15, 2009

I know, right? He's basically hilarious. A bit under the weather at the moment (runny nose, small rash on his face, Sir Sneezalot, etc.), but is still giggling and being a sillypants as always. I just ruv him to itty bitty bubblegum pieces.

Half a year, wow. It actually doesn't seem like that long of a stretch, considering I incubated him for longer than he's actually been out in the wilderness. Come to think of it, that's a great bit of perspective for me. See me on his 9 month WIPpo picture. Then we'll talk.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Imagine my extreme delight when I opened up my g-g-g-gmail and saw the following love note:

Hi Kristi,

Congratulations! TheBump.com is happy to announce that your blog has been selected as a finalist for “The Bump Mommy Blog Awards” in the "Working Mom" category. Starting today, readers will be able to vote for their favorite blog finalists here.

Voting ends on Monday, October 19, so if you haven’t already, please be sure to spread the word to your blog fans via email, a blog post, Twitter and Facebook!

Best of Luck!

Ok, first of all, I don't know who actually voted for me, but THANK YOU! I just sort of quietly put the button on the right nav one day, thinking maybe one or two of you might go out and nominate me. But to be a finalist?!? Never in a million years did I think...Wow. And the prizes RULE --> one grand prize of $1,000 and 15 runners-up will get $100 gift certificates to Pottery Barn Kids. KICK. ASS.

Let's rock this out all the way to the FINALS, shall we? Click here to vote for "...and baby makes three!" (Scroll to the bottom of the page...and maybe refresh the page to vote a few hundred times? You can vote as often as you want...no login required!!)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

My birthday is fabulous in many, many ways. First and foremost, I celebrate Birthday Bootcamp, which extends the glorious celebrations to the weeks before and after the big event.

This year, 'twould appear that Miss Carrie Underwood herself is gifting me with what might be the greatest present, ever: a 2-hour variety show special.

On Dec. 7 (my real, actual birthday), Carrie will host Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, David Cook and others in her variety show, tentatively titled Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special. The buzz in the rag mags is that she will sing on her TV special – hits, holiday classics and numbers from her new CD – as well as perform in comedy skits.

Christmas, Carrie Underwood, music and comedy. Basically, I can't wait.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

I've lost my mind. If you happen to find it, please return to sender ASAP.

This Saturday is Kelli's bridal shower and bachelorette party. Yeah, you read that one right...both. It has to be a 2-4-1 kinda day because her time here in the Pleasant Peninsula is limited.

So this means as MOH Extraordinaire I must cram all the energies typically used to throw 2 kick ass parties into one 24-hour period. As such, I have twice as much to do and half the time to do it in. Add to that the fact that I have a life, an almost 6-month old, a husband that requires nearly as much attention (love you, baby) and a job that is salsa dancing on the single last nerve I have left and you can see how I'm a little overloaded.

You might think that I'm complaining, but I assure you I'm not. I thrive in freak-out-stress mode. It's actually when I do some of my best work. And, there's not a thing in the world I wouldn't do for my sister (or brother). If she wanted her shower to be a tea party theme on the Great Wall of China I would use every trick in the book to make it happen.

However, please don't expect much blogertainment this week from me. I'll try to garner at least one laugh a day, but cannot guarantee it.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

And not because the trip was bad or anything...quite the opposite, in fact. Mom, Alex and I had quite the adventure: 14 hours there, 12 hours back. All in one weekend! And FWIW, Alex was an angel. Seriously, he was better than I was in the car.

I'm just SURE that the New York State Thruway neverevereverever ends. It has some porthole at the end where it just drops you back where you started and then you have to do it all over again. I swear this is truthiness.

And might I just bitch for a hot minute about the insanity that is toll roads? I get that they are good for the economy and provide great jobs creation and yaddayaddayadda but for the love of all things holy I should NOT have to pay $28.70 to drive on your roads, New York. And you, Massachusetts! I want my $6.80 back. And you, Canada...you owe me at least 8 Loonies. Hookers, the lot of 'em.

Northwest Air (Delta Air...merger...whatever I can't keep up) rest assured that you will be getting a large portion of my paychecks until my sister finally sees the light and realizes she and David must move back to Michigan. At this rate, I would even settle for Toledo or Chicago. Anything 5 hours or less!

All in all, aside from the above rants, the weekend was awesome. And not long enough. They never will be. Even if I could spend a whole week out there it will never be enough hours or minutes with my sister. To put it bluntly, nothing will be right in my universe until she's back. Or at least closer. Until then, I will probably spend too much time being emotionally unstable while relentlessly begging God to move mountains and put CT in my backyard.